Immigration bill on track for Senate passage

WASHINGTON (AP) — Historic immigration legislation is on track to clear the Senate by week's end following a successful test vote.

A final vote in the Senate on Thursday or Friday would send the issue to the House, where conservative Republicans in the majority oppose citizenship for anyone living in the country illegally.

President Barack Obama says now is the time to do it.

His prodding came several hours before the Senate voted 67-27 on Monday to advance the measure over a procedural hurdle. The tally was seven more than the 60 needed, with 15 Republicans joining Democrats in voting yes.